A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR RUMI

- Carole GoldbergTHE HARTFORD COURANT

Happy 800th birthday, Rumi.

The Persian scholar and mystic, who is credited with founding the worship group known as the "whirling dervishes," lived 800 years ago, but his estimated 20,000 poems, created as oral lessons for his students, live on. On Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., his life will be celebrated at the Yale University Theatre, 222 York St., New Haven.

His most famous translator, Coleman Barks, who has published 19 books of Rumi's poems, will read from Rumi's works. He will be accompanied by two Grammy-winning musicians: Paul Winter, the soprano saxophonist, and percussionist Glen Velez.

Lisa Starr, poet laureate of Rhode Island, and Marjory Wentworth, poet laureate of South Carolina, also will read.

The performance is a benefit for the Connecticut Food Bank and is the finale for Chabaso Bakery's celebration of National Poetry Month.

Tickets are $25 or $75 (including preferred seating and a reception with the performers after the event.) For tickets, visit Atticus Bookstore Cafe, 1082 Chapel St., New Haven, or call 203-776-4040. Or visit www.breadandpoetry.com.